Longview, Texas, is poised to gain hundreds of new jobs following the Longview Economic Development Corporation (LEDCO) securing three companies this year through incentive packages. These businesses — Quanta Services, Robroy Industries, and WPC Services — are part of a period described by LEDCO CEO Wayne Mansfield as a "record year" for capital investment in the city.
Mansfield announced the approval of incentive packages for the three businesses during LEDCO's August Board Meeting. He noted that LEDCO has secured five projects this year, collectively totaling over $330 million in capital investment. The newly secured companies are expected to commence operations in Longview within three years, bolstering local employment.
Houston-based Quanta Services is one of the companies receiving an incentive package, representing the largest of the three specific projects. Quanta Services intends to relocate into a former Trinity Industries building situated on Fisher Road. The company specializes in manufacturing electrical infrastructure, including transmission poles. Mansfield indicated that growth in this sector is significantly "being driven by the demand for data centers and semi-conductors," reflecting an expanding energy market. Quanta was offered approximately $1.5 million in incentives to establish its presence in Longview. Mansfield clarified that this funding is not provided upfront but is disbursed over five years, contingent upon the company meeting the objectives and goals outlined in its performance agreement.
Texas-based Robroy Industries is also expanding its operations in Longview. The company will occupy the former Smurfit Westrock building located within the Longview Business Park in South Longview. Robroy manufactures electrical components and is consolidating some of its existing Avinger operations into Longview to facilitate expansion. Robroy Industries is slated to receive a tax abatement in addition to $375,000 in incentives. These incentives will be distributed over the next five years, contingent upon the company fulfilling the requirements of its agreement with LEDCO.
WPC Services, an existing company in Gregg County, will also benefit from an LEDCO incentive package aimed at supporting its growth. To meet increasing demand, WPC Services plans to upgrade its cutting laser technology. LEDCO has committed $100,000 in incentives to WPC Services, which will be paid out over the next three years. Slade Williams, President of WPC Services, stated that the new equipment will necessitate the hiring of seven additional employees. Williams expressed the company's ambition to "grow and become a very well-known and respected employer in the area."
These agreements highlight LEDCO’s strategy to stimulate economic development and job creation in Longview. The incentives are structured to ensure that companies achieve specific performance targets, directly linking financial support to tangible economic benefits for the community. In addition to these three projects, LEDCO also secured two other companies this year: Ninth Avenue Foods, a dairy processing facility, and an expansion project for Holt Cat. The collective impact of these new establishments and expansions is anticipated to lead to a significant increase in job opportunities across Longview.
